Author: Craig Matovich
Date: 2007-02-16 00:56
Hmm...
Let me straddle the issue a bit and say its a two way street. Whether you are a student or teacher, do you approach each lesson with vigor and the desire to squeeze the most out of the moment?
Minus that on both parts, it is a lost opportunity. As a teacher, many times I needed lift a student's spirit (high school or conservatory level) for whatever reason, and then get on with a productive lesson. It was work, but worth it.
If a student was really down and could not be lifted, perhaps the lesson turned to adjusting the oboe and reeds. Humor was important, and a good way to highlight the areas needing improvement.
If the student was not working, I would suggest they consider whether to continue and ask for an answer the next lesson. (High school level)
For conservatory, I'd push a little harder because graduation on time required it.
For adults, I expected them to be motivated and work, and if life or day jobs was holding them back, we'd cover conceptual material they could apply later.
Only twice did I outright dismiss a student. One HS player and one conservatory student.
From chatting with other oboists I've heard 'horror stories' about alcoholic behaviors, sometimes abusive treatment, sometimes rampant egos, and I'd suggest simply quitting any teacher having those problems and wishing them well.
Conversely, if teaching and dealing with unmotivated students as my piano teachers did with me, I'd send me home and tell me not to come back unless and until I was willing to put in some effort. (Fortunately, I did not have that particular problem when it came to oboe.)
Post Edited (2007-02-16 03:19)
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